2019 New Years Message from Scott Gerson, Ph.D. (Ayu)
2019 New Years Message
As we are about to enter 2019, I thought I’d welcome you with a short message. According to Jyotish, the system of Vedic astrology, 2018 was a difficult year—all about surrender and healing the past so we can be more of who we truly are. According to my interpretation of Jyotish, 2019 will clearly bring expansion, opportunity, and self-awareness. The year will not be without its challenges, but in general, it should be a pretty electrifying year of broadening horizons and re-invention. Some of this has to do with Jupiter being in its own house in Sagittarius (first time in 12 years) which tends to translate dreams into reality--and in a big way. And Jupiter in Sag (November 2018 to Dec 2019) is also said to bring luck. But there is one caveat: we need to trust our instincts and take that first step early in 2019—and make it a big, bold one. The idea is that it's not a year to stick to the same old comfortable routine which will limit our growth. Rather, 2019 will be a year to venture out, do new things, meet new people, and beware of the mundane, at least from time to time. It’s a great year for learning, training, and travel. Also, it is essential now more than ever that we be true to ourselves and practice what we preach.
Aligning our actions with our words is also one of the more esoteric secrets of Ayurvedic health care. It's part of the way to address that elusive “spiritual” aspect of the body-mind-spirit trinity we hear so much about. Well, walking your talk is chicken soup for the jivatman (soul). The key to that is to make your aspirations realistic and attainable and then to live your life in a way that achieves those goals. When you live your life day-by-day, moment-by-moment in a way which is in alignment with your deepest, innermost ideals you cultivate the conditions for happiness to grow.
Here’s a peek into my world. I wake up in the morning, generally at sunrise, and lie there for a moment to assess the absurdity or importance of my dreams. I then note which of my nostrils is more dominant and flowing and get out of bed on that foot first. I then perform all my bathroom hygiene, self-oil massage, take a shower, dress, and put a kettle on to boil water for an herbal tea. I love herbs, I work with them in one way or another all day: studying their science, prescribing them, grinding them, blending them, at times growing them, and yes consuming them. It all lines up. I then sit before my altar and pray for friends, family, and world peace, followed by my asana practice and meditation. In the evening I make dinner and invariably some type of dried herbs and spices are part of the preparation. Again, it all lines up. In the evening, I enjoy studying, meditation, reading, listening to music, and playing guitar. Yes, it all lines up.
So in this holiday season, let us all re-focus on our dreams and goals and make changes to live accordingly this year. It will make you happy, and your individual happiness will help create world peace. Meditation is the best tool if you are drawn to it. But whatever you do, whatever your aspirations in life, cut down on your screen time, get more exercise in the light of the sun, eat more fresh whole foods, cultivate camaraderie and friendships, and make kindness your religion. The Vedas say that in the end, we are the sum total of our actions. Actions reveal who you are; words only reveal who you want to be. A reminder for us all from the Upanishads in these divisive times: |Vasudhaiva Kutumbhakam || “The entire world is one family.” A happy and healthy New Year to you all.
Dr. Scott Gerson